For those still reading this, we're at the last few chapters of this story, I don't want to ruin the flow of the story, so this will be the last time you guys hear from me until the end of the story. I just want to thank a few people here:

Sarifina Filth: Every one of you're reviews had this certain voice to it. I would look forward to hearing what you would say next, and at one point I was writing this story just for you. Thanks for the reviews^-^!

Luigenius: You were the first one to review this story. In fact, you were the first one who EVER reviewed my stories. I had planned to keep on writing regardless, but you gave me hope for the future, so thanks. P.S., sorry if this story isn't playing out the way you wanted.

Kianos Genn: For just being there! Even just as a friend, you are awesome!

Falco-JIS: For even giving me the inspiration for this story. BTW, are you going to finish that story? It's okay if you aren't, I just was really curious as to how that story would turn out. Please consider finishing it.

All reviewers I didn't name: Just cause I didn't mention your name, that doesn't mean you guys are important to me. I love all of my reviewers!

Now for the moment we all have been waiting for. The final chapters of Super Mario Dark Side! Enjoy!

Return to the Light

Peach was standing at a cliff that looked out at all of Hyrule, waiting. She knew he would be there, and she wanted him to come. She didn't know why, she just did. She didn't even use the Tri-Force yet. She was partially wondering why she was hesitating. Maybe she just wanted to see him again, one last time...

Maybe...

"Peach!!!" she heard behind her. She didn't even turn around yet, she just smiled to herself.

"Right on time," she said to herself. When she heard Mario behind her she began clapping, "I'm impressed that you made it this far Mario," she said turning around.

Mario's heart was racing. There was nothing standing in his way now. It was just him and the woman he loved. He then pushed away all doubt and just asked the question that he was holding back this whole time, "That day a few months ago, the day of the koopa attack, what really happened on that day?"

At this point Peach had nothing to hide, so she decided to tell him everything, "I saw a glimpse of my true self."

"Your true self, what do you mean?"

"The night you proposed to me, I had a dream. I saw myself like this, and she told me who she was, or more so, who I was. I didn't want to believe it at first, that I was evil. Me, of all people, evil. I was about to die. I went to a fortune teller, and she told me that I was going to bring about the apocalypse. I was so devastated that I ran out into the forest, that's when I was attacked by the koopas. I briefly turned into what you see today, but before I could kill them, Daisy brought me back to the light. I was so scared, thinking 'did I become a monster?'. But what was really bothering me was the fact that the power, felt divine. I hated feeling like that, and I began to hate myself."

"But what I don't understand is, why are you doing this now? If you were so afraid of the darkness before, then what changed to cause all of this?"

"Fear..." she said softly.

"Fear? What do you mean?"

"When I heard you guys talking about attacking Bowser, I actually like that idea. Think about it: if we attacked Bowser, then he would have to respect me. In fact, he would leave me alone all together. I'll admit, asking the people to just get up and take arms was bad planning on my part. But when I went to the plains and saw that I was alone, I lost all hope. That's when Bowser came," Mario was beginning to understand what was going on, but he remained silent just to hear it from her, "He pushed me to my breaking point, and for a split second I blacked out, and just let my hatred consume me. But then I felt the darkness again, and it calmed me. I was perfectly in control of myself, and I felt so much power. I just let the power come to me, and I actually took out Bowser. That's when I came up with this idea; none of the other kingdoms respect us, so why don't I take on not only Bowser, but all of the other kingdoms too? That way, no one will ever oppose me. I'll put the whole world under my control, that way, no one will ever kidnap me, torture me, call me weak, ever again."

"So you did all of this so you could feel safe? Why didn't you tell me that you felt so strongly about it?"

"So you could do what?!" she snapped, startling Mario, "What could you have possibly done to end it?!"

"I may not have been able to do much, but I tried to protect you! I saved you, every time you were captured. I fought for you! And I'll keep fighting for you!"

"I don't need you to fight for me! Don't you see, that's what started this whole thing in the first place! I never once, even tried to fight! Well this time, it's going to be different! I don't need anyone's help! Not Luigi, not Daisy, and definitely not you! The world will be under my rule!"

Mario had never been so scared in his entire life, but he still felt like he knew what to do, "I can't let you do that Peach!" he said bracing himself.

"Then I have no use for you!" she said as black flames surrounded her, "Good bye, Mario!" she then began firing at Mario, who just dodged and ran from all of the attacks.

"I'm not going to fight you Peach!"

"Then you've sealed your own fate!" she said as she ran towards him summoning her sword. She then began slashing at him ferociously. Mario refused to lay a single hit on her though. He simple dodged her attacks, trying to reach out to Peach.

"Peach, remember the first time Bowser saved you?! I barely even knew who you were and I still came to your rescue!" he said, prompting her to actually remember that for a little.

Flashback

Peach is in a dark dungeon by herself, crying. She had been Bowser's prisoner for a week now, and she had started to give up on any hope of being rescued.

"Please!" she said through her tears, "Someone, anyone, please help me!" she buried her face in her hands crying again. She then heard the dungeon door open, and someone reached out their hand for her to take. "Huh?" she said as she looked up, and saw him. Mario, who she had only met once a week ago, was standing there with a soft smile, "It's...him..."

"Are you okay?" he asked in a soft, kind tone.

For a while, all Peach could do was stare at him. She couldn't believe it, he had ventured all the way here, just to save her.

End flashback

Peach shook it off, "Shut up!!!" she then continued to attack Mario.

"Try to remember one time that you were in danger, and I didn't do anything! I dare you!" when Mario said that, Peach stopped to think again. Truth was, she couldn't. He was always there for her.

Flashback

The entire castle had been taken over by Bowser, and everyone had been trapped in portraits in the castle. Right now Peach was locked up in a cage on the ceiling, looking down at Mario and Bowser who were fighting.

Bowser kept slashing at Mario, but Mario was jumping and flipping out of the way of all of the attacks.

"Stand still!!!" Bowser ordered, but Mario didn't listen.

"Keep going Mario!!!" Peach cheered. Even tough she was locked up, she knew Mario would save her.

After the fight, Mario lowered the cage and opened it. Peach ran into Mario's arms, "Mario!" she called happily as she ran into Mario's embrace.

"You're not harmed, right Peach?" Mario asked.

"Of course not, but that doesn't matter anyway," she looked into Mario's eyes, "You saved me Mario, and that's all that matters."

They just stared into each other's eyes, smiling lovingly.

End flashback

Peach shook that one off too, and continued to attack. Of course, Mario kept talking.

"I promised you, remember! I promised you that I would always protect you! I kept that promise, and I'll keep that promise even now!" he proclaimed.

"Stop it! Stop it!!" Peach shouted as she continued to attack. She did a spin kick that landed on Mario's side, knocking him back. Mario staggered up and looked at her determined.

"No Peach! Not until you understand that you don't have to go this far just to secure your safety! I'll be there! I'll protect you! You don't have to fight anymore!"

"SHUT UP!!!!!!" Peach shouted as she rushed at Mario. Even still, she couldn't help remembering more times Mario was there for her.

Flashback

After Mario saved Peach from Bowser's castle, their walking back to the castle. They've been walking for a long time, and Peach falls to her knees in exhaustion.

"Peach!" Mario said running up to her.

"I'm okay, I can still walk," she said, even though it was clear that she was tired. Mario got in front of her, and got on his knees, "Mario?"

"Get on my back, I'll carry you for a while," he said. Peach was speechless. She slowly got on his back, and he then continued to walk carrying Peach on his back.

"Mario, why do you always come to my rescue like this? I mean, you could be focusing on other things, yet you waste your time watching over me," Mario had to laugh at that, "What?" Peach asked.

"You're special to me. I want to protect you, because you're important to me," he explained.

"Mario..." she said. She then embraced him tighter and more lovingly, "I want you to stay with me, Mario. Stay with me, and protect me."

"I promise you, Princess. I'll always be there for you, as a guardian, a friend..."

"And more?" Peach asked, a question that hit Mario hard. He then smiled.

"I'd love that... Peach..." he said. That was actually the first time he had ever used Peach's first name, and she loved it. She loved him.

End flashback

Peach was so confused now. She didn't know what to think anymore. For a second she just stood there, thinking.

"This isn't what you want, Peach. You don't really want to do this."

"How would you know, Mario?! You don't know anything about what I want!"

"You're right, I don't know," Mario said, "But I'm trying to understand, because... I love you Peach!!!" when Mario said that, her eyes turned blue again for a second, and she was speechless.

"You still love me? Even after all of this, you still love me?" she asked, starting to return to normal.

"I'll always love you Peach. No matter what you do, no matter how far into the darkness you fall, I'll always be there to bring you back into the light, just like now."

"Mario..."

"I'll say it as many times as I have to. I love you, Princess Peach Mary-Ann Toadstool!" he shouted, this time he reached her.

"Oh, Mario!" she said as she burst into tears. The dark Peach appeared next to her, and wasn't happy at all.

"What are you doing?!! He's standing right there!!! Kill him!!!" she screamed.

Mario was walking over to Peach, "You don't have to fight anymore Peach, let me do the rest," he said softly.

Peach looked at Mario, and began walking up to him, her eyes slowly turning blue again. The dark Peach was incredulous, "No!!! NO!!!!! Don't go over to him!!!"

Peach was about to take Mario's hand, but the dark Peach grabbed her arm, "I'm not giving up on you yet!" she then engulfed Peach in a black flame, trying to take her over completely. Peach was holding her head in pain, and was backing away from Mario.

"Peach!" Mario called out. He was really worried right now. He wasn't going to loose her again though, not this time, "Fight the darkness Peach! You're stronger than it is!"

"What does he know?! He's been enabling you from the start! I'm the only one who understands you!" the dark Peach said to Peach.

"Stop it!!" Peach said to her evil twin.

"What?!" the evil Peach was shocked to hear that.

"I'm not listening to you anymore! I want you out of my head... NOW!!!!!!!" right when Peach said that, the dark power flew out of her, and the dark Peach was being expelled.

"AHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed as she faded away. When the flame was gone, Peach fell to her knees, burying her face in her hands, crying hard.

Mario ran up to her, "Peach, are you alright?" he asked.

Peach looked up at Mario, her eyes were deep blue again, showing that she was back to normal again, "Oh Mario, what have I done!" she said crying harder. Mario just held her in a tight embrace.

"It's okay now Peach, we'll fix this, I promise you," he said reassuring her.

They thought it was over, unfortunately, they had no idea how wrong they were.

"Aw, isn't that touching?" a voice said.

"Huh?" Mario said turning to the cliff, "What the?!"

"What is it?" When Peach turned to see what Mario was looking at she almost had a heart attack. It was her, but this person still had the red eyes, "Wait, that's!"

"Do you know what's going on here?" Mario asked Peach.

"Well, no, but I think I saw her before..." Peach said looking at her evil double confused.

"That's right, you should know me very well. After all, we spent so much time together, and you wouldn't have made it this far without me,"the evil Peach taunted.

"Wait!" Peach then realized where she first saw this person, "The first dream!"

"That's right princess, that was me you were talking to."

"Who are you, and why do you look like Peach?!" Mario asked. The evil Peach just broke out in laughter.

"I look like her? I think you've got that backwards Mario. I think she just looks like me," she explained.

Mario thought about it for a while, but he then had a thought. One that scared him, "Wait, are you..."

"That's right. I am Empress Deasalva Lumineska! You may refer to me as Empress Deas," when she said that, both Mario and Peach were horrified. This was the real Empress Deas, the queen of darkness.

"But, you're dead!" Mario said in confusion.

"And who told you that?! The legend says that I was defeated, but they don't say that I was killed. I was sent away, far away, to another time line. There I was born into the heart of Princess Peach. Normally I would've never been able to return to power like this, but Peach's life was so full of sadness and despair that I eventually regained enough of myself to communicate with her. Since I couldn't leave her heart I decided to use her to carry out my original plan. I bestowed upon her some of my powers, and lead her along this journey. Only when she renounced me just now was I set free and able to take on my true form again."

"So this is all your doing!" Mario said getting into a fighting stance, "You used Peach just so you could continue to terrorize the world! Link was right, you are a true monster!"

"Now, now, Peach here was the one who did all of the terrorizing. She attacked all of the kingdoms, killed all of those people, and ruined all of those lives. All I did was give her power, she's the real monster here, not me," as Deas said that, Peach looked down in sadness and guilt. She was right, she did want to do those things. She was a monster.

Mario was getting angrier and angrier by the second, "Don't call her a monster! You just don't want to own up for what you did!"

"Ooh, you sure talk tough. But I'm afraid that I have no use for you," she said to Mario, who had just had heard enough.

"You'll pay for all of the lives you destroyed!" he shouted running up to Deas. Deas just chuckled to herself a bit, and thrust her hand into Mario's chest...

A small beam of darkness coming out from his back.

Peach was horrified, "MARIO!!!!!" she screamed running up to his body, which fell down limb. She was trying to shake him up, but to no avail, "Mario!!! Mario!!!! Please no!!! You can't be dead!!! Mario!!!! MARIO!!!!!!!

"Well that was fun, but like I said, he wasn't the one I was after," Deas said walking up to Peach, "You see, I still need the Tri-Force in order to accomplish my goals, and you still have that on your hand. Now be a good little girl and hand it over," she said standing over Peach, who was just crying. Not just for Mario's death, but for everyone who died because of her. No she was alone, no one to protect her...

Peach looked up at Deas with a determined look, "No, I won't give it to you!" she said to Deas, who broke out laughing.

"Like I'm going to be afraid of that! I'm sorry dear, but that wasn't a request!" she then let out a big black wave knocking Peach away from her onto the ground, "Now I'll tell you again, hand over the Tri-Force!" this time she demanded, showing that her patience was growing thin.

Peach was scared, more scared than she had ever been. But she was the only one who could stand up to Deas, and she did not intend on giving Deas what she wanted.

It was then that the Tri-Force began to glow on Peach's hand. Peach got up and looked at Deas with a determined glare in her eyes, "I said no! I won't give it to you!" she said.

"Oh, so now you're going to tell me that you're not afraid of me, and that you won't let me have my way or something, right?"

"I'm not going to pretend to not be afraid. The truth is, yes, I am afraid of you. But I still won't let you have what's left of this world!" she then held up her hand that hat the Tri-Force on it, "If you want this, then you'll have to do it the hard way, an take it from me!"

"The hard way? Taking candy from a baby would be harder than this!" She then tried to shoot a black flame at Peach, who actually slapped the attack away. Deas was incredulous, "What the!"

Peach was then engulfed in a bright light. The black gown she was wearing burned off and was replaced with a beautiful white gown that was armored, her high heels turned into white stiletto boots, the crown she was wearing turned into solid gold, and a sword with a white handle and silver blade that was shaped like the master sword appeared in her hand.

When the light faded, Deas was in shock to see Peach's transformation, "What?!!" Deas shouted.

Peach looked at her new outfit and was confused too, "What is this?" she asked herself. She then heard Zelda's voice in her head.

The gods have chosen you to be their warrior of light to fight Deas' darkness, Zelda said in Peach's head, Now go! Use your Courage, Wisdom, and Power against her evil!

Peach nodded at that and pointed her sword at Deas.

"What's this? So, the little princess gains a little extra power and now thinks that she can defeat me?" she then summoned her sword and pointed it at Peach, "Oh, how I'm going to enjoy this."

The two of them rushed at each other, creating an explosion so great it shook the entire world.